Mumbai, May 30: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the 2026 Preliminary Examination, marking a first in its history. Candidates have until May 31 to submit objections regarding the answers. Approximately 550,000 candidates participated in this year’s exam, which has been described as one of the toughest in recent years.
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar acknowledged the challenges faced by aspirants in a LinkedIn post, stating that the official provisional answer key provides clarity in such situations. He emphasized that the answers in the key are primarily sourced from government websites, press releases, and reputable newspapers, which candidates typically use for preparation. Aspirants can submit their feedback on any answers that may require review through the official QPRep portal.
Experts have echoed Kumar’s sentiments, with Shekhar Dutt, a UPSC coach in Chandigarh, labeling this year’s prelims as one of the most difficult ever, coining it the “Unprecedented Public Service Commission.”
The General Studies paper featured the highest number of questions from history, art, and culture, totaling 20. Other subjects included economics with 19 questions, science and technology with 18, geography with 13, environment with 11, and politics and governance with 8.
The UPSC Mains Examination is scheduled for August 21, 2026, with interviews for selected candidates taking place between January and April 2027. This new examination pattern is influencing other competitive exams, including the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), which has adopted a similar analytical approach in recent years. Candidates preparing for the upcoming BPSC 72nd exam in July are expected to delve deeper into their studies.